One of the best ways to mitigate your workplace distractions is to work from home. You can set boundaries with colleagues and keep your technology at the door. The best way to do this is to install a FocusMe application and set up a "Do not disturb" sign on your office door. If that doesn't work, you can always ask them to leave your work area. If you have a coworker who frequently interrupts you, put up a "Do Not disturb" sign.
FocusMe
Many people spend too much time on social media. You may be tempted to check your phone or scroll through your email or browse the web, but distractions are a bad habit that can affect your productivity. To break the distraction cycle, use an app such as FocusMe. It blocks websites that distract you and suggests a daily productivity goal that you can achieve by blocking these distractions. However, the main drawback of FocusMe is its price. It costs $6.99 per month after the free trial.
Digital distractions can be hard to eliminate completely. But there are ways to avoid becoming completely reliant on your phone or tablet. Try taking a break from your device every 90 minutes to walk or work out. These breaks will help you to clear your head and get back on track. And you'll find it easier to focus when you're away from your phone or tablet. You can also download FocusMe to your Android phone and use it for digital-free workstations and offices.
Putting up a "Do Not disturb" sign
A "Do Not Disturb" sign is a direct, blunt, and sometimes humorous way to tell people not to bother you. If you're on your sarcastic side, you can even tie a flag on a lamp or desk. In any case, a "Do Not Disturb" sign will work, especially if you are trying to get some work done. Wording and formatting can make or break a sign, so make sure you choose the right words and colors.
Putting up a "Do Not Disturb" sign in a public place will also help you avoid unproductive conversations with coworkers. Putting up a "Do Not Disturb" sign is also helpful if you work from home or in a coworking space. It's best to set clear guidelines for your work space, stating that you're not available to answer the phone, and that you're working. Putting up a sign will also help you to stay focused when you're working.
Setting boundaries with interrupting colleagues
One of the most important things to set boundaries with your coworkers is to avoid chit-chat. While it's natural to welcome watercooler conversation, a lack of boundaries can be harmful to your work. As a general rule, don't participate in it, and only bring company concerns up the chain of command. Doing so will help you avoid being viewed as a snoop or a member of the office gossip. A lack of boundaries also can lead to toxic aspects of your workplace, including workplace bullying. To resolve the problem, be direct and respectful.
While interruptions are inevitable, they can ruin your productivity and mental health. A study of employees showed that people who are constantly interrupted end up spending more time trying to catch up, and that it takes them a total of 24 minutes to finish their task. Not only does interruptions cost you time, but it also robs you of your creativity. And if you're not the type to say no, it's probably a sign that you need help.
Prioritizing tasks
You've probably heard of the benefits of prioritizing tasks to reduce distractions. However, how do you prioritize tasks? How can you manage deadlines and prioritize work efficiently? First, you need to determine what's urgent and what's not? Without a clear understanding of your priorities, you can end up spending the whole day on a low-priority report or presentation - and then miss your 9 am client meeting. By prioritizing tasks, you'll know when you need to start and finish each task, and you can manage time and effort better.
A clear daily schedule will minimize the negative impact of distractions. Slack channels and other work-related conversations can veer you off track. However, if you have a prioritized task list, you'll be more likely to get back to work when you're ready. In addition, you'll be able to identify the time it will take you to complete each task and get them done.
